Gaming Legend Richard Garriott Reclaiming Ultima Rights from EA – A New Dawn for a Classic RPG?

Hold onto your keyboards, fellow Pakistani gamers, because we might just be on the cusp of something truly epic! The legendary creator of the iconic Ultima series, Richard Garriott, is reportedly in the process of reclaiming the rights to his beloved franchise from Electronic Arts (EA). This isn’t just a rumour; it’s a move that could potentially revive one of gaming’s most foundational RPG series, which has largely been gathering dust for years.

For those who grew up with or appreciate the history of role-playing games, Ultima is a name that evokes nostalgia and respect. Now, with Garriott stepping back into the driver’s seat, the future of this classic IP suddenly looks brighter than it has in decades. Could we finally see new adventures in Britannia, or perhaps even a long-awaited return for Ultima Online?

The Legend Returns: How Garriott is Getting Ultima Back

So, how exactly is this monumental shift happening? It all boils down to a fascinating quirk in United States copyright law. According to Garriott himself, this law states that if you are the original holder of a copyright and you sell or assign it to another entity, you have the right to reclaim it after 35 years. And here’s the kicker: there’s no money involved in this transfer; all you need to do is notify the current rights holder a year in advance.

Garriott wasted no time. He revealed in a recent interview that in April this year, he formally informed Electronic Arts of his intention to reclaim the Ultima copyrights. And guess what? EA’s response was positive. They acknowledged the law and committed to acting accordingly. This means active discussions are now underway between Garriott and EA to figure out the exact terms of this rights transfer, which could be finalized as early as next year!

A Journey Through Time: Ultima’s History with EA

To fully appreciate the significance of this news, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Richard Garriott, along with his brother and father, co-founded Origin Systems, the studio behind the original Ultima games. In 1992, Garriott made the decision to sell Origin Systems, and with it, the rights to the Ultima IP, to Electronic Arts. He continued to work at EA for several years, directing numerous Ultima RPGs and even serving as a producer for the groundbreaking MMORPG, Ultima Online, a game that captivated countless players worldwide.

However, the relationship eventually soured. By 1999, following the mixed reception of Ultima IX: Ascension, EA began canceling many of Origin’s in-development projects. Garriott left the company shortly after. Origin Systems itself was eventually shut down by EA in 2004, leaving the Ultima series dormant under EA’s ownership. For nearly two decades, fans have yearned for a return, and now, it seems their wishes might finally be granted.

What’s Next for Ultima? The Exciting Possibilities

With the rights potentially back in his hands, what does Richard Garriott plan to do with the Ultima universe? He’s quite open about the possibilities, emphasizing that he will once again have “control over the future of my seminal product line.” While nothing is set in stone just yet, the implications are huge:

• Re-releasing the Classics: At the very least, Garriott could re-release the early, beloved Ultima titles, making them accessible to a new generation of players and allowing veterans to revisit them easily.
• Brand New Sequels: Imagine this – Garriott could develop entirely new sequels to the main Ultima RPG series, picking up where the story left off or forging a completely new path within the rich lore.
• A Return for Ultima Online 2? For many MMORPG fans, the mention of “sequels” immediately brings to mind the fabled Ultima Online 2, which was announced in 1999 but sadly canceled in 2001. Could Garriott revisit this concept and finally deliver a true successor to one of the most influential online games ever made? This would be a dream come true for many.

The key here is control. Garriott, the original visionary, will once again steer the ship, potentially bringing fresh life and innovation back to a series that has profoundly impacted the RPG genre.

Garriott’s Vision vs. EA’s Vault

It’s fair to say that Richard Garriott’s post-Ultima career has had its ups and downs, including ventures like an NFT-based MMO and other projects that didn’t quite capture the magic of his earlier work. However, despite a mixed track record, many would argue that Ultima is in far better hands with its creator than simply sitting untouched in EA’s vast library of dormant IPs. EA has a history of letting classic franchises lie fallow, and a former manager even suggested they might sell off “dormant IPs” like Ultima and Wing Commander.

For us gamers, having the original creator passionate about his work is always a better scenario than a corporate entity holding onto rights with no clear plans for development. This move represents hope that Ultima won’t just be an entry in gaming history books, but a living, breathing franchise once again.

For us gamers in Pakistan, where classic RPGs and MMORPGs hold a special place, this news is incredibly exciting. The potential for new Ultima experiences, or even the re-release of classics, means more quality gaming content to enjoy. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Garriott’s plans come to fruition and we get to delve back into the enchanting world of Ultima very soon!

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